DOTC official suggests carless weekends and more bike lanes as solutions to the traffic problem in Metro Manila

Ernie Reyes of InterAksyon.com reports that an official from the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) has suggested the implementation of carless days and the creation of more bike lanes in Metro Manila in order to reduce traffic in Metro Manila, which is expected to become heavier with the construction of massive infrastructure projects starting in the first quarter of 2014.

The report explained that in a forum held on Tuesday (January 27), DOTC Assistant Secretary for Administration Dante M. Lantin broached what he described as "wild suggestions" to lessen "the disruption of activities along the construction routes." These suggestions include the the creation of "carless weekends" where people will be encouraged to bike or commute, the construction of bike lanes and the clearing of obstructions on the sidewalk.

Lantin told the audience that traffic in Metro Manila is seen to become worse in the coming months with the commencement of the Department of Public Works and Highways' (DPWH) work on infrastructure projects in the metropolis, including the Skyway Project Phase 2.